2012 Conference Preview

Most Disappointing TeamEven with their raw talent, you don’t lose a player like Bowers and not feel it. Add to that the loss of two-year starting quarterback Kyle Parker to the Colorado Rockies organization and it’s easy to see how trouble could loom for the Tigers. A tough nonconference schedule (Auburn, South Carolina) doesn’t help, either. And here’s one more factor: Clemson has to go to Virginia Tech and Maryland, neither of which are hospitable road environments.

BIG EAST
Predicted Order of Finish
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Most likely to have a disastrous season

Now that Dave Wannstache (bad mustache joke) is gone, the Pittsburgh Panthers should quickly rebuild in the Big East. PNC comes in as his replacement, however, his new uptempo offense might not go over with the diehard football fans in The 'Burgh, especially with an offensive line that has yet to jell. With the addition of TCU to the Big East, PNC could have an even tougher 1st season.

BIG 10Predicted Order of Finish
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3. There is only two givens every year in Happy Valley. JoePa will patrol the sidelines and the defense will be stout. However, in 2011, there are other factors that will come into play for Penn State's success. The quarterback situation between Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden and the running back situation with all-time leading rusher Evan Royster graduating are just a few of the issues that need to be resolved. In the final three games of the season, Penn State faces off against Ohio State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin respectively. Penn State will knock off a wounded Buckeyes team at the Horseshoe for the first time in ages and will follow that up with a victory against the Cornhuskers at home. They will drop the finale to the eventual Big Ten champion Badgers, however.

Biggest Question Mark

Ohio State has gone through some serious turmoil, so if the Buckeyes reach the title game it will be nothing short of a miracle. Even without Terrelle Pryorand Jim Tressel, Ohio State has plenty of talent and the team knows how to win. Why It Won't Happen: The Buckeyes have too many tough road games, starting with a trip south to take on Miami (Sept. 17). OSU also plays at Nebraska and Michigan.

PAC 12
Predicted Order of Finish
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2. NCAA allegations aside, we have to remember "innocent until proven guilty," despite it being the other way around in the eyes of society. Nonetheless, Oregon remains a national contending school and has the tools to repeat as conference champions. And this season may be the last shot the Ducks have for while, chances are LaMichael James and Darron Thomas go pro in 2012, So this is the year Oregon needs to fulfill their national title dreams.

3.

4.The USC Trojans are looking to make a big splash in the new PAC-12 this season. With one more year of post season ineligibility for the Trojans, USC will be playing for a PAC-12 South Championship and even the chance for an AP National Championship. In order for the Trojans to do that, they will need to tame their challenging schedule that features road games against the defending PAC 10 champion, Oregon Ducks, and longtime rival Notre Dame. The Trojans have the talent to do it, with the return of offensive stars Matt Barkley and Robert Woods along with a top five recruiting class.

SECPredicted Order of Finish
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2. LSU has some holes to fill from a squad that went 11-2 with a Cotton Bowl win over Texas A&M last season, but the Tigers should still be in the thick of it for an SEC title berth. Jefferson has worked hard all offseason to improve his passing skills and should build off of his momentum from the last few games of the 2010 season.Stevan Ridley was an effective power runner for the Tigers, but Ware could be even better. The defense has great depth and even better speed and should carry on the LSU tradition of stifling opposing offenses. If the Tigers can put together a semblance of a passing game, they should be able to match the win total of yesteryear.

3. The key to a second trip to the SEC title game rests on both sides of the ball for the Gamecocks. Offensively, Garcia needs to cut down on mistakes and be a more efficient signal caller. Defensively, the pass rush is in fine hands but the defensive backs needs to tighten coverage and quit giving up the big play. If these concepts can materialize on the gridiron, and they should, Cocky and Co. could be headed back to Atlanta.

Long season AheadEver since Andre Woodson left campus, the one thing that sticks out is that they are “masters of nothing.” That is to say that every year the Wildcat football team seems to scrape by with a team that has a few playmakers but doesn't turn your head on offense or defense. With all of the attrition, especially on offense, this year will be deemed a success if they can reach a bowl game, although that may be easier said than done.

I think its safe to say that you are not being very realistic in your content. You really think that Clemson, Pitt, and Ohio State arent going to even make it in the top three of their conference? You really dont think South Carolina will win the East over the Computer? No one is going to read your content if you just type crap that doesnt make any sense at all. But do your thing man.